Poppy Shop Donate
ritz-photo-hires

Celebrating Victory In Europe – 80 Years On

olda-hopkins

Joy, Relief and Pride - Olga’s memories of VE Day.

Olga Hopkins was just 18 when she volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). 80 years on Olga recalls how she joined her comrades celebrating the news of German surrender, and the jubilant atmosphere across the country.

Read Olga's Story
alan-kennett

Big parties and celebrations – Alan recalls the reaction to the news.

After joining the RAF at 18 years old, Alan Kennet talks of his fond memories hearing the news at a station cinema in Germany in 1945, and the exuberant atmosphere acknowledging the war had ended in Europe.

Read Alan's Story
Ralph Ottey

Through their eyes - 80 Years On...

There have been 80 summers since the end of the Second World War. We honour the men and women of the generation who served with specially-commissioned portrait photography by Steve Reeves.

Each was an eyewitness to astonishing times. Their gaze captures the spirit of the generation who won the freedoms we enjoy today.   

These images remind us that peace was won only by the collective efforts of millions of people from all walks of life, and from all corners of the globe. Join us in remembering their service and the sacrifices they made.  

Read their stories

More remembrance resources

VE Day - Dancing in a London street

VE Day 80

In 2025, RBL will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the National Memorial Arboretum. Take part in our events to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

More about this
Teaching Remembrance KS1

VE and VJ Day - Teaching Resources

We support the teaching of Remembrance across the UK and have designed a range of free teaching resources for Key Stages 1- 4.

More about this
VE Day Celebrations In London

Resources to help you mark VE and VJ Day

We invite our supporters to host events in their communities to honour the service of the war generation. Discover resources and a guide to planning events.

More about this

The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. And we’re not going anywhere.

We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.

Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

Our team is just a phone call away

Call us on 0808 802 8080. Lines are open from 8am-8pm every day.

We get together

Wherever you are, whatever you like to do, there's a branch for you.
Become a member

We're here to help

We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
How can we help?

We campaign

We champion key issues, giving our Armed Forces community a voice.
Campaign with us

We couldn't do it without you

Legion raffles and lotteries

Ways to give

There are many ways you can give to the Royal British Legion. From a one-off donation or giving a gift in memory - there's something for everyone.

Ways to give to RBL
Poppy Appeal volunteers selling the Legion's paper poppies at Covent Garden Market

Things to do

Whether you’re a volunteer, member or proud Poppy Appeal collector – however you choose to support the Royal British Legion, we couldn’t do it without you.

More about this
Mum and daughter - Poppy Walk - 2023-70

Events

From marathons to walks, to sportives, virtual challenges and survival challenges, there are many events to choose from.

More about this
Poppy Pins - RBL017_AW24_SHOT_1_3601

Shop

We have a wide range of poppy products available with something for everyone, including Poppy memorabilia, wreaths, stationery and jewellery.

Shop with RBL
Back to top